Winter Sale at Mountain Tops

Look at this people...30% off all hats and gloves. And that's not all. I saw a yoga outfit, and really soft sweaters, and other goodies.

My Favorite Baby Things

For all of my preggo mommy friends out there who have asked for a "must-have" list of baby things. I couldn't decide which Top 5 I should give, because I tend to have favorites in different departments of my baby life. So I've sorted them here. Everyone has their favorites for different reasons. These just happen to be mine, and if other moms have favorites, feel free to put them into the comments below!


STROLLER & CARRYING GEAR
Baby Trend Expedition LX Jogging Stroller: (note: get this at Babies R Us for the cheapest price) The black one with the yellow stripe. It's *awesome*. It's made it through 5 blizzards with the car seat snapped onto it. It does have speakers for a MP3 player like an iPhone. The wheels are inflatable and are larger than some other strollers. The front wheel swivels or goes straight. We use it as the main stroller, and don't have another stroller (save for a tiny one that is those tiny umbrella ones that you can hang in a closet). Do test it out in Babies R Us.

Baby Trend AllStar Car Seat: (note: also get this at Babies R Us for the cheapest price) Love this car seat. Ruby used to sleep in it at night if we couldn't get her to sleep in a lying down position, swaddle or not. It's easy to carry around, and the boy-version with polkadots and stars can be gender neutral. It snaps in very easily to the Baby Trend Expedition Jogging stroller and into the base in the car.

Nomie Baby Stritten Stroller Mitten: Love these. The stroller mitten is a little known stroller accessory that velcro onto the handle bars (umbrella or jogger), and you stick your hands in them like a muff. My hubby says that they are just like what motorcycle guys use on their bikes, so he has no problem using them (oops, I bought them in pink). The Strittens mean you have one less thing to bring with you out the door - your gloves - which are easy to loose anyway, especially when tending to your baby or toddler, or answering your iPhone.

Nomie Baby Car Seat Cover: Nomie makes her car seat covers for both infant and toddlers, and you should get two - one for the laundry and one for the car seat. The reverse side is waterproof, so leaky diapers won't soak through. I'll be using this cover for her toddler phase to protect the car seat from smeared pureed butternut and broccoli.

Tivoli Couture or Nomie Baby Stroller Blankets: I'm using a stroller blanket for Ruby's toddler phase in the stroller, as it's easier to put her in it. For the infant phase, which has lasted 9 beautiful months, I preferred to wrap her in blankets. For her, it seemed easier as it was hard enough getting her into a jacket.

Bjorn: I used the Bjorn. From the looks of this picture, I guess I had the original, and it was fine. David could fit into it as well for power walks. At first Ruby didn't like it, and my cousin suggested I tuck Ruby's arms into it. The directions show the baby's arms sticking out through the arm holes. But for a tiny newborn, we think she likes being snuggled. Ruby slept in it facing in, and when awake, preferred to face out. Friends also liked the Ergo, but I haven't tried it. It looks like Tivoli Couture just came out with a baby carrier slip cover. This is very cute, and it's a good thing to have because Ruby chewed on the Bjorn, requiring me to wash it a lot.



NURSERY
Pampers: We're into Pampers. Any of the types of Pampers, really. We used the Swaddlers for sizes N-2, but then didn't see Swaddlers anymore, and just get whatever is on the shelf.

Lansinoh Wipes: Until Ruby was about 4 months, I truly only used little cotton pads and water (that's what they gave us in the hospital). Until my very tall brother-in-law had to change a big up-the-back poop, and took the little squares and was like "Really?". I tried Lansinoh and so far so good. No irritation.

Dekor Diaper Trash Can: We got the Playtex Diaper Gene, but it ate our hands. The spring door was too strong. The Dekor is quite pleasant. It has a door that you can drop the diaper onto, or you can place it in. Changing the diaper bag is also easy with the refill bags.

Aquaphore: We used Vasaline in the beginning because they did it in the hospital, and when some diaper rash dots started, we switched to Aquaphore.



SLEEPING
Born Free Pacifiers: We again bought every brand pacifier, and Ruby liked this one. She didn't like all shapes, just a few different types. I liked it too because it was clear.

Summer Swaddles: When Ruby began breaking out of most of my swaddles, I put her into a Summer swaddle with velcro. Though this isn't great for kicking legs, it did settle her arms.

Summer Video Monitor: We can hear and see Ruby sleeping. This has been good during sleep training, so that I can see how she is behaving during different cries (is her head lying down while crying? Or is she trying to climb out). Also good for if I'm vacuuming and put Ruby in the crib, I can watch her to see that she's ok. The range is pretty far. Babies R Us has one that is cheaper, and is where we got ours.



FEEDING
Note: Ruby had a bottle from week 1. David did the 2am feed & sooth, which was very helpful. I would pump at that time, just to replace the bottle each day. Ruby did fine nursing and bottling.

Avent Bottles: We bought a whole bunch of brands, and stuck with Avent. There was a time when I had to go onto heavy antibiotics for two weeks, and we kept Ruby on the 1 nipple thinking that it would not make her a lazy sucker for going back to nursing, and whether or not that worked, she did return to nursing after two weeks. I've linked you to a package that sells a formula shaker, and a brush with hard bristles that do a good job cleaning the nipple before you put it in the dish washer or sanitizer.

Sanitizer: If you have a dishwasher, I don't think you need this. We got one anyway, and found we didn't need it. Your money can be better put towards something else, like the beaba baby blender.

Symilac Organic Powder Formula: During that antibiotic period, we pretty much tried about 5 formulas at once because we panicked. I hadn't anticipated needing to pause nursing at 3 months, so we went to Rite Aid and bought everything, even soy (which made her poop really hard). We liked the Symilac Organic Powder.

Pukies Bibs: Good because they are stretchy and cute. They have fit for 9 months so far.

Beaba Baby Blender: Just get it. It's *awesome.* They need to make these for adults. I make soups and dressings in it. You'll also need food ice cubes and trays (and there are these cube ones as well). We love these spoons because they come in a 5-pack and Ruby can hold one too while she eats, these netted safety feeder things (good for big pieces of apples and melon). There are so many feeding products out there. These are the ones that I use everyday, so I can attest to them.



NURSING
Lansinoh Lansinoh Lansinoh. My whole top shelf of my bathroom is this purple packaging.

Lansinoh Lanolin: I used this in the beginning of nursing. Big help.

Lansinoh Nursing Pads: Huge help for leaking. Slept in these, and wore throughout the day.

Lansinoh Milk Storage Bags: Love them.

Medella Breast Pump: I got the backpack version. You should also get extra tubes just in case something happens to one, and you *really* need to pump. ;)

PumpEase Pumping Bra: I don't pump without it. I use it to be hands-free to drink water, tend to Ruby, and other things to get more milk out. Get two for when one is in the laundry.


RANDOM PREGNANT THINGS
I know this is a post for baby, but here are some items for you as well:

Prenatal Belly Dance Workout DVD from Rhythm for Life: If you need to stretch out, this is a great DVD for movement.

BellaBand: I wore this everyday. Literally. On both maternity jeans that didn't stay up, and non-maternity pants or skirts that I could somehow fit into.

This blog post helps fund our shopping sprees on Main Street and beyond. Editorial Policy. 

Designer Screenprint Fabric at Clay Wood & Cotton

Like this fabric? So do I. I found it at Clay Wood & Cotton last summer and bought it to be used as curtains for my little daughter's room. The windows have shades, so I hung it in front of the shades with spring rods from Target. And it's still pinned up at the top because I'm afraid to even look at my sewing machine, for fear it's too dust clogged to operate.

But, visit Clay Wood and Cotton, because there is lots more where this came from! Or click right here to browse this and other fabrics. They have it by the half yard, or additional yardage can be ordered. The designer, Nina Jizhar of Swanky Swell is based in CA, and is an interior designer by day, fabric designer by passion.

Where Is This? Hint: it's peeling

Where was this picture taken, and what is it, Beaconites?
This week's winner wins one free bottle of Mexican Coke from Poppy's! Poppy's is very proud if their Mexican Coke hookup, because that country's Coke is made with real sugar. If you've ever been to the Coke Museum in Atlanta, GA, you know that there are a lot of different Coke recipes depending on the taste buds of the people.
First person to name what this picture is wins!
Easy Rules:
- if you won last week, you'll have to wait until next week to win again.
- if you don't claim your prize in 1 week, it will be put back into the Prize Pot for future contests.

Hudson Valley Fitness Bootcamp Schedule of Classes

While having a harmless cup of hot cocoa from The Coffee Shoppe with my friend Charlotte from Gatehouse Realty, little did I know I'd be convinced to take a Monday morning bootcamp, and that Charlotte was this month's champ! Being a new mom who has fallen off the jogging wagon, my body feels like it's falling apart one ache at a time. That's why I let Charlotte convince me to take a class. She promised I'd feel great after I did it, and let me tell you, I did. I felt like I was back at basketball camp. But the basketball was a medicine ball, and instead of suicides, we did this run/crawl thing, WITH a 20lb weight. That's actually more like swimming with a brick in life guard class, but more awkward.

So here's their bootcamp schedule. Straight from my iPhone to your screen. Click here for the schedule on the website, and Beacon Bootcamp details.

Preschool Program at Common Ground Farm

Another activity fir you and your 2-4 year old: Winter on the Farm at Common Ground Farm on the grounds of Stony Kill Environmental Center in Wappingers Falls on Route 9D just North of Beacon NY.
The program is for 2-4 year olds (but maybe I'll sneak in with my 9 month year old?). There are 4 classes where kids and their care provider will explore the farm, barn animals, the fields and the trees.
Here's the class info:

TIME: 10-11am, or 1:30-2:30pm
PRICE: $7/child, or $25 for all 4 sessions

JANUARY 28: Meet the Pigs!
FEBRUARY 18: Chickens and Eggs
MARCH 18: Wild Animals on the Farm
APRIL 29: Spring Into Spring

To register or for questions, email education@commongroundfarm.org

Men: Get Thee Ladies a Salon Gift Certificate for Valentine's Day

The shimmering heart caught my eye as I drove around Beacon in circles while Ruby napped in the car. There are a few salons you can pick from here, but this is the new one on Rt 9 across from the drive down to the train station - Giannetta Salon & Spa. It's within walking distance to Main Street, so your lady could pick up a warm cafe mocha and Ella Bella's chocolate chip cookie at Bank Square, get her massage, and meet you at the Wine Bar. Or you could pick up some wine at Artisian Wine and bring it to Isamu for sushi! Ok, I like this Valentine's date. I'm going to go tag my hubby right now on Facebook and drop that hint.

Window Shopping: Screenprints at Clay Wood & Cotton

The morning I first saw these screenprints in Clay Wood & Cotton's store window, there were three. Later that afternoon when I was walking by and took this picture, there were two...

Crumbs Bakery Perfect for Drizzly Saturday Soup

I got a hot tip from my sitter that Crumbs Bakery is serving soup! On our stroller errands, Ruby and I hit it up for a bowl of split pea and bacon. And a chocolate chip cookie. And ciabatta bread. :)

Loving This Sunshine! Out for a Cruise

We were loving this Vitamin D sunshine this morning! We took a cruise top down in the stroller, sans puffy coat for a little bit of freedom. I was out of eggs, so we grabbed a breakfast sandwich at Alexandra's on the way to the grocery store (I have to double check that it's not called Alexandria's or some such). I was also testing out my new Nomie Baby stroller mitten, "the stritten", and it was perfect! Kept my hands warm, and I could quickly grab my drink with fingers instead of fumbling around in gloves.

Contest: Where is this? Orange and brown sign

Guess where I took this picture in Beacon, NY, and the first right answer wins a prize! Leave your answer in the comments below, and leave a way I can get in touch with you. Hint: this is a picture of a sign.

Editorial and Advertising Policy

EDITORIAL POLICY
This blog is a collection of things to do and buy in and around Beacon. All articles, be them sponsored or pure editorial, have to pass an editorial test of excellence that will serve our readers. If you have something you want to pitch for feature consideration, please email your pitch to editorial@alittlebeaconblog.com and it will be considered. If you have a press release, please copy and paste all text and images into the body of the email and do not send it as an attachment. For advance notice on what types of stories we are working on, you can sign up to a special newsletter just for that. Sign up for our Advance Notice Editorial & Advertising email.

ADVERTISING POLICY
Advertising is available on A Little Beacon Blog. Some blog posts are sponsored posts, meaning that a business paid for a special area of their business. The purpose of A Little Beacon Blog is to highlight the little details in and around Beacon (that includes nearby towns like Fishkill, Wappingers Falls, Hopewell Junction, Poughkeepsie and other areas because we all drive places for things we need or want to to!). We help businesses do this through a more controlled message via sponsored blog posts that speak their message to our readers, and these posts are marked [a Partner Post]. Other opportunities are in sponsorships of articles our editorial team is working on, or of entire categories.


If you are interested in sponsorship, please see our Advertising Packages for fun  and integrated ways of getting involved and reaching our readers of Beaconites, Hudson Valley people at large, and even New York City day-trippers.

Sunday Mornings at BJs for Cornbread

Fried chicken, mac and cheese, and cornbread are some of our staples. When we lived in Manhattan, we used to get our fix at Spoonbread Two at W. 110 and Columbus. Now we sidle on over to BJ's on Main St. across from the M&T bank and enjoy there, and usually, but not intentionally, end up going on Tuesday nights when Dancing with the Stars is on their TV.
Recently, we went on a Sunday morning, and boy was it good at noon o'clock! Just before all of the church folk got out. Brenda, the owner's daughter, insisted that Ruby try some of her cornbread, and don't you know, it was a slightly different taste than usual. Brenda uses the same recipe, but tells me, she is "a product of her mother and grandmother", hence the variation.
I think that may be a requirement in cooking: infusion of mother and grandmother.